About
English Baroque Choir
President: Dame Emma Kirkby
Vice-Presidents: Leon Lovett, Neil Mackie CBE, Carl Rütti
Musical director: Harry Bradford
Accompanist: Richard Leach
The English Baroque Choir was formed in 1978 and has become one of London’s finest amateur choirs, developing a reputation for musicality, imaginative programming and choral enthusiasm. As its name suggests, the choir’s spiritual home is in the rich music of the Baroque period, with large-scale works by Bach, Handel and Monteverdi regularly appearing in its programmes. However, it is equally at ease with repertoire from the 15th century right through to the present day – commissioning and giving the world premiere of Psalm-Cantata by John McCabe CBE in 2013 – and frequently presents smaller-scale concerts with keyboard, harp, brass or completely a cappella.
The choir performs regularly in St John’s Smith Square, St Martin-in- the-Fields and other premier London venues, receiving plaudits for its professionalism and energy: “A performance by the English Baroque Choir and Jeremy Jackman will be always executed with a magical combination of passion and precision.” In March 2018 EBC celebrated its 40th anniversary with Bach’s great Mass in B Minor.
The English Baroque Choir is a secular choir and is not affiliated with any religious organisation.
Musical Director
Since 2022 the choir is led by prize-winning conductor and choral director Harry Bradford. Harry recently graduated, with distinction, from the Royal Academy of Music where he studied for an MMus Degree under Patrick Russill and was awarded both the Academy Alumni Scholarship and the prestigious DipRAM award for an outstanding final recital. He has also participated in masterclasses with Paul Brough (BBC Singers), Simon Halsey, David Hill, Neil Ferris, Mats Nilsson and Roland Börger. Alongside his commitments at the Academy, Harry was the Genesis Sixteen Conducting Scholar 2018-19 receiving mentoring from Harry Christophers and Eamonn Dougan and the Alec Robertson Scholar at Westminster Cathedral.
Recent career highlights include conducting the Swedish Radio Choir and winning the Second Prize in the prestigious ‘Eric Ericson Award’ 2021, working as Chorus Master at the St Endellion Easter Festival for the world premiere of Oliver Tarney’s St Mark Passion and assisting Harry Christophers for the London premiere of Sir James McMillan’s 5th Symphony.
Previous Musical Directors
The choir was founded in 1978 under the direction of conductor Leon Lovett, who remained Musical Director for 22 years.
Between 2000 and 2021 the choir was led by Jeremy Jackman, who is a renowned choir director, composer, arranger, and a former member of the King’s Singers.
Sample Recordings
Hodie Christus Natus Est – Sweelink